Mike Bauer, Libbey

The August 19 edition of HOMEWORLD BUSINESS® revealed the 14th annual “People To Watch” in housewares during the next 12 months.

Selected by HomeWorld Business editors, “People To Watch” represents a cross section of a diverse housewares business— from established to newly installed company leaders; from large to small operations, from big-box to specialty retailers; from trade show managers to celebrity endorsers.

The HomeWorld “People To Watch” are in the spotlight not only for how they might impact their respective organizations in the coming months, but also for how they might impact the overall housewares business.

Mike Bauer, Libbey, CEO

CREDENTIALS: While still new in his role as CEO of Libbey, a market leader in the glassware industry, Mike Bauer has more than 30 years of experience with leading consumer product companies. Most recently, he served as president of The Master Lock Company— the Security segment of Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc.— as well as president of the U.S. division of Moen, also a Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc. subsidiary. Bauer has a track record of developing and driving strategy, growth and margin expansion in multi-channel and global consumer product organizations. In addition, he is well versed in finance, supply chain, marketing, manufacturing and e-commerce.

WHAT TO WATCH: Bauer, who succeeded Bill Foley upon his retirement, joined at a time of transformation at the company. It had recently launched its e-commerce platform, which it continues to elevate and expand with modest success, according to the company’s second quarter financial gains. The company reported that its e-commerce business continues to make solid contributions to its quarterly results, aiding growth for its U.S. and Canada retail businesses. Bauer is focused on continued support of its digital strategy, paired with the company’s ramped up product innovation in order to better reach the consumer and their desire for fresh ideas and transparency. As Bauer settles further into the CEO role, he is faced with leading the company towards the future of glassware and housewares. He has said he plans to continue building a strong, dynamic and agile organization that’s focused on meeting the needs of its end-users, channel partners and shareholders.

PERSPECTIVE: “The global consumer goods market continues to undergo a transformational shift as changes in consumer preferences and channels require fresh ideas and decisive leadership to effectively navigate this environment,” Bauer said previously. In addition, in light of the company’s second quarter financial reports, Bauer recently stated that the company’s intense focus on disciplined spending and improved leveraging of Libbey’s market-leading position and competitive advantages have helped drive positive results in the face of soft market conditions in several of its key regions and channels.

Current Issue

Editor-In-Chief Peter Giannetti previews the September 9 edition, a special HomeWorld Business 30th Anniversary edition featuring the 2019 Top 100 Housewares Retailers Report. The Top 100 ranking and accompanying analysis reveal shifting housewares retailing market share and volatility in key channels. The special 30th Anniversary issue also looks at industry evolution the past three decades through the eyes of veteran housewares leaders.
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